RULES OF THE GAME TEXT FILE Official Volleyball Rules Approved by the 32nd FIVB Congress 2010

Transcription

1 RULES OF THE GAME TEXT FILE Official Volleyball Rules Approved by the 32nd FIVB Congress 2010 To be implemented in all competitions from 1st January 2011 and in all competitions which are completed in 2011.

2 CONTENTS GAME CHARACTERISTICS PART 1 PHILOSOPHY OF RULES AND REFEREEING PART 2 SECTION 1 GAME PAGE Chapter One: Facilities and Equipment 1. PLAYING AREA DIMENSIONS PLAYING SURFACE LINES ON THE COURT ZONES AND AREAS TEMPERATURE LIGHTING NET AND POSTS HEIGHT OF THE NET STRUCTURE SIDE BANDS ANTENNAE POSTS ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT BALLS STANDARDS UNIFORMITY OF BALLS THREE-BALL SYSTEM... 9 Chapter Two : Participants 4. TEAMS TEAM COMPOSITION LOCATION OF THE TEAM EQUIPMENT CHANGE OF EQUIPMENT FORBIDDEN OBJECTS TEAM LEADERS CAPTAIN COACH ASSISTANT COACH Chapter Three: Playing Format 6. TO SCORE A POINT, TO WIN A SET AND THE MATCH TO SCORE A POINT TO WIN A SET TO WIN THE MATCH DEFAULT AND INCOMPLETE TEAM STRUCTURE OF PLAY THE TOSS WARM-UP SESSION TEAM STARTING LINE-UP

3 7.4 POSITIONS POSITIONAL FAULT ROTATION ROTATIONAL FAULT Chapter Four: Playing Actions 8. STATES OF PLAY BALL IN PLAY BALL OUT OF PLAY BALL "IN" BALL "OUT" PLAYING THE BALL TEAM HITS CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HIT FAULTS IN PLAYING THE BALL BALL AT THE NET BALL CROSSING THE NET BALL TOUCHING THE NET BALL IN THE NET PLAYER AT THE NET REACHING BEYOND THE NET PENETRATION UNDER THE NET CONTACT WITH THE NET PLAYER'S FAULTS AT THE NET SERVICE FIRST SERVICE IN A SET SERVICE ORDER AUTHORIZATION OF THE SERVICE EXECUTION OF THE SERVICE SCREENING FAULTS MADE DURING THE SERVICE SERVING FAULTS AND POSITIONAL FAULTS ATTACK HIT CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ATTACK HIT RESTRICTIONS OF THE ATTACK HIT FAULTS OF THE ATTACK HIT BLOCK BLOCKING BLOCK CONTACT BLOCKING WITHIN THE OPPONENT'S SPACE BLOCK AND TEAM HITS BLOCKING THE SERVICE BLOCKING FAULTS Chapter Five : Interruptions, Intervals and Delays 15. REGULAR GAME INTERRUPTIONS NUMBER OF REGULAR INTERRUPTIONS REQUEST FOR REGULAR INTERRUPTIONS SEQUENCE OF INTERRUPTIONS TIME-OUTS AND TECHNICAL TIME-OUTS

4 15.5 SUBSTITUTION OF PLAYERS LIMITATION OF SUBSTITUTIONS EXCEPTIONAL SUBSTITUTION SUBSTITUTION FOR EXPULSION OR DISQUALIFICATION ILLEGAL SUBSTITUTION... SUBSTITUTION PROCEDURE... IMPROPER REQUEST GAME DELAYS TYPES OF DELAYS DELAY SANCTIONS EXCEPTIONAL GAME INTERRUPTIONS INJURY EXTERNAL INTERFERENCE PROLONGED INTERRUPTIONS INTERVALS AND CHANGE OF COURTS INTERVALS CHANGE OF COURTS Chapter Six: The Libero Player 19. THE LIBERO PLAYER DESIGNATION OF THE LIBERO EQUIPMENT ACTIONS INVOLVING THE LIBERO RE-DESIGNATION OF A NEW LIBERO EXPULSION AND DISQUALIFICATION Chapter Seven : Participants Conduct 20. REQUIREMENTS OF CONDUCT SPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT FAIR PLAY MISCONDUCT AND ITS SANCTIONS MINOR MISCONDUCT MISCONDUCT LEADING TO SANCTIONS SANCTION SCALE APPLICATION OF MISCONDUCT SANCTIONS MISCONDUCT BEFORE AND BETWEEN SETS SANCTION CARDS PART 2 SECTION 2 Chapter Eight: Referees 22. REFEREEING CORPS AND PROCEDURES COMPOSITION PROCEDURES FIRST REFEREE LOCATION AUTHORITY RESPONSIBILITIES SECOND REFEREE LOCATION AUTHORITY

5 24.3 RESPONSIBILITIES SCORER LOCATION RESPONSIBILITIES ASSISTANT SCORER LOCATION RESPONSIBILITIES LINE JUDGES LOCATION RESPONSIBILITIES OFFICIAL SIGNALS REFEREES' HAND SIGNALS LINE JUDGES' FLAG SIGNALS D. 1a 1b PART 2 SECTION 3 DIAGRAMS (SECTION 3 IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS DOCUMENT) Competition/ Control Area The Playing Area 2 The Playing Court 3 Design of the Net 4 Position of Players 5 a. Ball Crossing the Vertical Plane of the Net to the Opponent Court b. Ball Crossing the vertical plane of the net to Opponent Free Zone 6 Collective Screen 7 Completed Block 8 Back Row Player s Attack 9 Sanction Scales 10 Location of the Refereeing Corps and their Assistants 11 Referees Official Hand Signals 12 Line judges Official Flag Signals PART 3 SECTION 4 DEFINITIONS 50 5

6 CHAPTER ONE FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT 1. PLAYING AREA The playing area includes the playing court and the free zone. It shall be rectangular and symmetrical. See Rules 1.1, D.1a, D.1b, 1.1 DIMENSIONS D.2 The playing court is a rectangle measuring 18 x 9 m, surrounded by a free zone which is a minimum of 3 m wide on all sides. The free playing space is the space above the playing area which is free from any obstructions. The free playing space shall measure a minimum of 7 m in height from the playing surface. For FIVB World and Official Competitions, the free zone shall measure a minimum of 5 m from the sidelines and 8 m from the end lines. The free playing space shall measure a minimum of 12.5 m in height from the playing surface. 1.2 PLAYING SURFACE The surface must be flat, horizontal and uniform. It must not present any danger of injury to the players. It is forbidden to play on rough or slippery surfaces. For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, only a wooden or synthetic surface is allowed. Any surface must be previously approved by the FIVB On indoor courts the surface of the playing court must be of a light colour. For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, white colours are required for the lines. Other colours, different from each other, are required for the playing court and the free zone On outdoor courts a slope of 5 mm per metre is allowed for drainage. Court lines made of solid materials are forbidden. 1.1, LINES ON THE COURT D All lines are 5 cm wide. They must be of a light colour which is different from the colour of the floor and from any other lines Boundary lines Two side lines and two end lines mark the playing court. Both side lines and end lines are drawn inside the dimensions of the playing court

7 1.3.3 Centre line The axis of the centre line divides the playing court into two equal courts measuring 9 x 9 m each; however the entire width of the line is considered to belong to both courts equally. This line extends beneath the net from side line to side line. D Attack line On each court, an attack line, whose rear edge is drawn 3 m back from the axis of the centre line, marks the front zone , For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, the attack line is extended by the addition of broken lines from the side lines, with five 15 cm short lines 5 cm wide, drawn 20 cm from each other to a total length of 1.75 m. The coach s restriction line (a broken line which extends from the attack line to the end line of the court, parallel to the side line and 1.75 metres from it) is composed of 15 cm short lines drawn 20 cm apart to mark the limit of the coach s area of operation. D ZONES AND AREAS D.1b, D Front zone D2 On each court the front zone is limited by the axis of the centre line and the rear edge of the attack line , The front zone is considered to extend beyond the sidelines to the end of the free zone. 1.1, Service zone The service zone is a 9 m wide area behind each end line. It is laterally limited by two short lines, each 15 cm long, drawn 20 cm behind the end line as an extension of the side lines. Both short lines are included in the width of the service zone , D.1b In depth, the service zone extends to the end of the free zone Substitution zone The substitution zone is limited by the extension of both attack lines up to the scorer's table , D.1b Libero Replacement Zone The Libero Replacement Zone is part of the free zone on the side of the team benches, limited by the extension of the attack line up to the end line Warm-up area For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, the warm-up areas, sized approximately 3 x 3 m, are located in both of the bench-side corners, outside the free zone , D.1b D.1a, D.1b Penalty area A penalty area, sized approximately 1 x 1 m and equipped with two chairs, is located in the control area, outside the prolongation of each end line. They may be limited by a 5 cm wide red line. D.1a, D.1b 7

8 1.5 TEMPERATURE The minimum temperature shall not be below 10 C (50 F). For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, the maximum temperature shall not be higher than 25 C (77 F) and the minimum not lower than 16 C (61 F). 1.6 LIGHTING For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, the lighting on the playing area should be 1000 to 1500 lux measured at 1 m above the surface of the playing area NET AND POSTS D HEIGHT OF THE NET Placed vertically over the centre line there is a net whose top is set at the height of 2.43 m for men and 2.24 m for women Its height is measured from the centre of the playing court. The net height (over the two side lines) must be exactly the same and must not exceed the official height by more than 2 cm. 1.1, 1.3.2, STRUCTURE The net is 1 m wide and 9.50 to 10 metres long (with 25 to 50 cm on each side of the side bands), made of 10 cm square black mesh. D.3 At its top a horizontal band, 7 cm wide, made of two-fold white canvas, is sewn along its full length. Each extreme end of the band has a hole, through which passes a cord, fastening the band to the posts for keeping its top taut. Within the band, a flexible cable fastens the net to the posts and keeps its top taut. At the bottom of the net there is another horizontal band, 5cm wide, similar to the top band, through which is threaded a rope. This rope fastens the net to the posts and keeps its lower part taut. 2.3 SIDE BANDS Two white bands are fastened vertically to the net and placed directly above each sideline , D.3 They are 5 cm wide and 1 m long, and are considered as part of the net. 2.4 ANTENNAE An antenna is a flexible rod, 1.80 m long and 10 mm in diameter, made of fibreglass or similar material. An antenna is fastened at the outer edge of each side band. The antennae are placed on opposite sides of the net. 2.3, D.3 The top 80 cm of each antenna extends above the net and is marked with 10 cm stripes of contrasting colour, preferably red and white. The antennae are considered as part of the net and laterally delimit the crossing space , D.3, D.5 8

9 2.5 POSTS The posts supporting the net are placed at a distance of m outside the side lines. They are 2.55 m high and preferably adjustable. D.3 For all FIVB, World and Official Competitions, the posts supporting the net are placed at a distance of 1 m outside the side lines The posts are rounded and smooth, fixed to the ground without wires. There shall be no dangerous or obstructing devices. 2.6 ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT All additional equipment is determined by FIVB regulations. 3. BALLS 3.1 STANDARDS The ball shall be spherical, made of a flexible leather or synthetic leather case with a bladder inside made of rubber or a similar material. Its colour may be a uniform light colour, or a combination of colours. Synthetic leather material and colour combinations of balls used in International Official competitions should comply with FIVB standards. Its circumference is cm and its weight is g. Its inside pressure shall be 0.30 to kg/cm 2 (4.26 to 4.61 psi) (294.3 to mbar or hpa) 3.2 UNIFORMITY OF BALLS All balls used in a match must have the same standards regarding circumference, weight, pressure, type, colour, etc. 3.1 FIVB, World and Official Competitions, as well as National or League Championships must be played with FIVB approved balls, unless by agreement of FIVB. 3.3 THREE-BALL SYSTEM For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, three balls shall be used. In this case, six ball retrievers are stationed, one at each corner of the free zone and one behind each referee. D.10 9

10 CHAPTER TWO PARTICIPANTS 4. TEAMS 4.1 TEAM COMPOSITION A team may consist of up to 12 players, one coach, one assistant coach, one trainer and one medical doctor (unless modified by the Specific Competition Regulations).. For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, the medical doctor and trainer must be accredited beforehand by the FIVB One of the players, other than the Libero, is the team captain, who shall be indicated on the score sheet. 5.2, , Only the players recorded on the score sheet may enter the court and play in the match. Once the coach and the team captain have signed the score sheet, the recorded players cannot be changed. 4.2 LOCATION OF THE TEAM The players not in play should either sit on their team bench or be in their warm-up area. The coach and other team members sit on the bench, but may temporarily leave it. The benches for the teams are located beside the scorer's table, outside the free zone Only the team members are permitted to sit on the bench during the match and to participate in the warm-up session. 1, 5.1.1, , 5.2.3, D.1a, D.1b 4.1.1, Players not in play may warm-up without balls as follows: during play: in the warm-up areas; 1.4.5, 8.1, D.1a, D.1b during time-outs and technical time-outs: in the free zone behind their court , During set intervals, players may warm-up using balls in the free zone EQUIPMENT A player's equipment consists of a jersey, shorts, socks (the uniform) and sport shoes The colour and the design for the jerseys, shorts and socks must be uniform for the team (except for the Libero). The uniforms must be clean. 4.1, The shoes must be light and pliable with non-marking rubber or composite soles without heels. For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, it is forbidden to wear shoes which are predominantly black Players' jerseys must be numbered from 1 to 18 For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, players jerseys must be numbered from 1 to 20 10

11 The number must be placed on the jersey at the centre of the front and of the back. The colour and brightness of the numbers must contrast with the colour and brightness of the jerseys The number must be a minimum of 15 cm in height on the chest, and a minimum of 20 cm in height on the back. The stripe forming the numbers shall be a minimum of 2 cm in width. For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, the player s number shall be repeated on the right leg of the shorts. The number must be of 4 to 6 cm in height and the stripe forming the numbers shall be a minimum of 1 cm in width. Jerseys and shorts should comply with FIVB standards The team captain must have on his/her jersey a stripe of 8 x 2 cm underlining the number on the chest It is forbidden to wear uniforms of a colour different from that of the other players (except for the Liberos), and/or without official numbers CHANGE OF EQUIPMENT The first referee may authorize one or more players: to play barefoot, For FIVB, World and Official Competitions it is forbidden to play barefoot to change wet or damaged uniforms between sets or after substitution, provided that the colour, design and number of the new uniform(s) are the same, to play in training suits in cold weather, provided that they are of the same colour and design for the whole team (except for the Liberos) and numbered according to Rule , , FORBIDDEN OBJECTS It is forbidden to wear objects which may cause injury, or give an artificial advantage to the player Players may wear glasses or lenses at their own risk. 11

12 5. TEAM LEADERS Both the team captain and the coach are responsible for the conduct and discipline of their team members. 20. The Liberos cannot be the team captain or game captain CAPTAIN PRIOR TO THE MATCH, the team captain signs the score sheet and represents his/her team in the toss. 7.1, DURING THE MATCH and while on the court, the team captain is the game captain. When the team captain is not on the court, the coach or the team captain must assign another player on the court, but not the Libero, to assume the role of game captain. This game captain maintains his/her responsibilities until he/she is substituted, or the team captain returns to play, or the set ends When the ball is out of play, only the game captain is authorized to speak to the referees: to ask for an explanation on the application or interpretation of the Rules, and also to submit the requests or questions of his/her team-mates. If the game captain does not agree with the explanation of the first referee, he/she may choose to protest against such decision and immediately indicates to the first referee that he/she reserves the right to record an official protest on the score sheet at the end of the match; to ask authorization: a) to change all or part of the equipment, 4.3, b) to verify the positions of the teams, 7.4 c) to check the floor, the net, the ball, etc.; 1.2, 2., in the absence of the coach to request time-outs and substitutions , 15.4, AT THE END OF THE MATCH, the team captain: thanks the referees and signs the score sheet to ratify the outcome; when it has been notified in due time to the first referee, may confirm and record on the score sheet an official protest regarding the referee s application or interpretation of the Rules. 5.2 COACH Throughout the match, the coach conducts the play of his/her team from outside the playing court. He/she selects the starting line-ups, their substitutes, and takes time-outs. In these functions his/her contacting official is the second referee , , 7.3.2, 15.4, PRIOR TO THE MATCH, the coach records or checks the names and numbers of his/her players on the score sheet, and then signs it. 4.1, , DURING THE MATCH, the coach: prior to each set, gives the second referee or the scorer the line-up sheet(s) duly filled in and signed; sits on the team bench nearest to the scorer, but may leave it; requests time-outs and substitutions; 15.4,

13 may, as well as other team members, give instructions to the players on the court. The coach may give these instructions while standing or walking within the free zone in front of his/her team s bench from the extension of the attack line up to the warm-up area, without disturbing or delaying the match. For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, the coach is restricted to performing his/her function behind the coach s restriction line , D1a, 1b, ASSISTANT COACH The assistant coach sits on the team bench, but has no right to intervene in the match Should the coach have to leave his/her team for any reason including sanction, the assistant coach may, at the request of the game captain and with the authorization of the first referee, assume the coach's functions for the duration of the absence ,

14 CHAPTER THREE PLAYING FORMAT 6. TO SCORE A POINT, TO WIN A SET AND THE MATCH 6.1 TO SCORE A POINT Point A team scores a point: by successfully grounding the ball on the opponent s court; 8.3, when the opponent team commits a fault; when the opponent team receives a penalty , Fault A team commits a fault by making a playing action contrary to the rules (or by violating them in some other way). The referees judge the faults and determine the consequences according to the Rules: If two or more faults are committed successively, only the first one is counted If two or more faults are committed by opponent simultaneously, a DOUBLE FAULT is called and the rally is replayed , D.11 (23) Rally and completed rally A rally is the sequence of playing actions from the moment of the service hit by the server until the ball is out of play. A completed rally is the sequence of playing actions which results in the award of a point. 8.1, if the serving team wins a rally, it scores a point and continues to serve; if the receiving team wins a rally, it scores a point and it must serve next. 6.2 TO WIN A SET D.11 (9) A set (except the deciding, 5th set) is won by the team which first scores 25 points with a minimum lead of two points. In the case of a tie, play is continued until a two-point lead is achieved (26-24; 27-25; ) TO WIN THE MATCH D.11 (9) The match is won by the team that wins three sets In the case of a 2-2 tie, the deciding set (the 5th) is played to 15 points with a minimum lead of 2 points DEFAULT AND INCOMPLETE TEAM If a team refuses to play after being summoned to do so, it is declared in default and forfeits the match with the result 0-3 for the match and 0-25 for each set. 6.2,

15 6.4.2 A team that, without justifiable reason, does not appear on the playing court on time is declared in default with the same result as in Rule A team that is declared INCOMPLETE for the set or for the match, loses the set or the match. The opponent team is given the points, or the points and the sets, needed to win the set or the match. The incomplete team keeps its points and sets. 6.2, 6.3,

16 7. STRUCTURE OF PLAY 7.1 THE TOSS Before the match, the first referee carries out a toss to decide upon the first service and the sides of the court in the first set If a deciding set is to be played, a new toss will be carried out The toss is taken in the presence of the two team captains The winner of the toss chooses: EITHER the right to serve or to receive the service, OR the side of the court. The loser takes the remaining choice In the case of consecutive warm-ups, the team that has the first service takes the first turn at the net WARM-UP SESSION Prior to the match, if the teams have previously had a playing court at their disposal, they are entitled to a 6-minute warm-up period together at the net; if not, they may have 10 minutes If either captain requests separate (consecutive) warm-ups at the net, the teams may do so for 3 minutes each or 5 minutes each, according to Rule TEAM STARTING LINE-UP There must always be six players per team in play The team's starting line-up indicates the rotational order of the players on the court. This order must be maintained throughout the set Before the start of each set, the coach has to present the starting line-up of his/her team on a line-up sheet. The sheet is submitted, duly filled in and signed, to the second referee or the scorer The players who are not in the starting line-up of a set are the substitutes for that set (except for the Liberos) Once the line-up sheet has been delivered to the second referee or scorer, no change in line-up may be authorized without a regular substitution Discrepancies between players position on court and on the line-up sheet are dealt with as follows: when such a discrepancy is discovered before the start of the set, players' positions must be rectified according to that on the line-up sheet - there will be no sanction; when, before the start of the set, a player on court is found not to be registered on the lineup sheet of that set, this player must be changed to conform to the line-up sheet - there will be no sanction; , , , 15.5, ,

17 however, if the coach wishes to keep such non-recorded player(s) on the court, he/she has to request regular substitution(s), which will then be recorded on the score sheet. If a discrepancy between player positions and the line up sheet is discovered later, the team at fault must revert to the correct positions. All points scored by the team from the exact moment of the fault up to the discovery of the fault are cancelled. The opponent s points remain valid and in addition they receive a point and the next service POSITIONS D.4 At the moment the ball is hit by the server, each team must be positioned within its own court in the rotational order (except the server) The positions of the players are numbered as follows: the three players along the net are front-row players and occupy positions 4 (front-left), 3 (front-centre) and 2 (front-right); the other three are back-row players occupying positions 5 (back-left), 6 (back-centre) and 1 (back-right) Relative positions between players: each back-row player must be positioned further back from the centre line than the corresponding front-row player; the front-row players and the back-row players, respectively, must be positioned laterally in the order indicated in Rule , 8.1, The positions of players are determined and controlled according to the positions of their feet contacting the ground as follows: each front-row player must have at least a part of his/her foot closer to the centre line than the feet of the corresponding back-row player; each right (left) side player must have at least a part of his/her foot closer to the right (left) sideline than the feet of the centre player in that row. D After the service hit, the players may move around and occupy any position on their court, and the free zone. 7.5 POSITIONAL FAULT D.4, D.11(13) The team commits a positional fault, if any player is not in his/her correct position at the moment the ball is hit by the server If the server commits a serving fault at the moment of the service hit, the server's fault is counted before a positional fault. 7.3, , If the service becomes faulty after the service hit, it is the positional fault that will be counted A positional fault leads to the following consequences: the team is sanctioned with a point and service to the opponent; players' positions are rectified. 7.3,

18 7.6 ROTATION Rotational order is determined by the team's starting line-up, and controlled with the service order, and players' positions, throughout the set When the receiving team has gained the right to serve, its players rotate one position clockwise: the player in position 2 rotates to position 1 to serve, the player in position 1 rotates to position 6, etc , 7.4.1, ROTATIONAL FAULT D.11 (13) A rotational fault is committed when the SERVICE is not made according to the rotational order. It leads to the following consequences: 7.6.1, the team is sanctioned with a point and service to the opponent; the players' rotational order is rectified Additionally, the scorer should determine the exact moment when the fault was committed and all points scored subsequently by the team at fault must be cancelled. The opponent's points remain valid If that moment cannot be determined, no point(s) cancellation takes place, and a point and service to the opponent is the only sanction

19 CHAPTER FOUR PLAYING ACTIONS 8. STATES OF PLAY 8.1 BALL IN PLAY The ball is in play from the moment of the hit of the service authorized by the first referee BALL OUT OF PLAY The ball is out of play at the moment of the fault which is whistled by one of the referees; in the absence of a fault, at the moment of the whistle. 8.3 BALL "IN" D.11 (14), D.12 (1) The ball is "in" when it touches the floor of the playing court including the boundary lines. 1.1, BALL "OUT" D.11 (15) The ball is "out" when: the part of the ball which contacts the floor is completely outside the boundary lines; 1.3.2,D11(15) D.12 (2) it touches an object outside the court, the ceiling or a person out of play; D11(15), D.12 (4) it touches the antennae, ropes, posts or the net itself outside the side bands; 2.3, D.5, D11(15), D.12 (4) it crosses the vertical plane of the net either partially or totally outside the crossing space, except in the case of Rule ; , D.5, D11(15), D.12 (4) it crosses completely the lower space under the net f,D.5, D.11 (22) 19

20 9. PLAYING THE BALL Each team must play within its own playing area and space (except Rule ). The ball may, however, be retrieved from beyond the free zone. 9.1 TEAM HITS A hit is any contact with the ball by a player in play. The team is entitled to a maximum of three hits (in addition to blocking, Rule ), for returning the ball. If more are used, the team commits the fault of: "FOUR HITS" CONSECUTIVE CONTACTS A player may not hit the ball two times consecutively 9.2.3, 14.2, (except Rules 9.2.3, 14.2 and ) SIMULTANEOUS CONTACTS Two or three players may touch the ball at the same moment When two (three) team-mates touch the ball simultaneously, it is counted as two (three) hits (with the exception of blocking). If they reach for the ball, but only one of them touches it, one hit is counted. A collision of players does not constitute a fault When two opponents touch the ball simultaneously over the net and the ball remains in play, the team receiving the ball is entitled to another three hits. If such a ball goes "out", it is the fault of the team on the opposite side If simultaneous hits by two opponents over the net lead to extended contact with the ball, play continues ASSISTED HIT Within the playing area, a player is not permitted to take support from a team-mate or any structure/object in order to hit the ball However, a player who is about to commit a fault (touch the net or cross the centre line, etc.) may be stopped or held back by a team-mate. 9.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HIT The ball may touch any part of the body The ball must not be caught and/or thrown. It can rebound in any direction The ball may touch various parts of the body, provided that the contacts take place simultaneously. Exceptions: at blocking, consecutive contacts may be made by one or more blocker(s) provided that the contacts occur during one action; at the first hit of the team, the ball may contact various parts of the body consecutively provided that the contacts occur during one action , , FAULTS IN PLAYING THE BALL FOUR HITS: a team hits the ball four times before returning it. 9.1, D.11 (18) ASSISTED HIT: a player takes support from a team-mate or any structure/object in order to hit the ball within the playing area

21 9.3.3 CATCH: the ball is caught and/or thrown; it does not rebound from the hit 9.2.2, D.11 (16) DOUBLE CONTACT: a player hits the ball twice in succession or the ball contacts various parts of his/her body in succession , D.11 (17) 21

22 10 BALL AT THE NET 10.1 BALL CROSSING THE NET The ball sent to the opponent's court must go over the net within the crossing space. The crossing space is the part of the vertical plane of the net limited as follows: 10.2, D.5a below, by the top of the net; at the sides, by the antennae, and their imaginary extension; above, by the ceiling The ball that has crossed the net plane to the opponent's free zone totally or partly through the external space, may be played back within the team hits, provided that: 9.1, D5b the opponent's court is not touched by the player; the ball, when played back, crosses the net plane again totally or partly through the external space on the same side of the court. The opponent team may not prevent such action The ball that is heading towards the opponent s court through the lower space is in play until the moment it has completely crossed the vertical plane of the net , D5b f, D5a, D11(22) 10.2 BALL TOUCHING THE NET While crossing the net, the ball may touch it BALL IN THE NET A ball driven into the net may be recovered within the limits of the three team hits If the ball rips the mesh of the net or tears it down, the rally is cancelled and replayed. 22

23 11 PLAYER AT THE NET 11.1 REACHING BEYOND THE NET In blocking, a blocker may touch the ball beyond the net, provided that he/she does not interfere with the opponent s play before or during the latter's attack hit. 14.1, After an attack hit, a player is permitted to pass his/her hand beyond the net, provided that the contact has been made within his/her own playing space PENETRATION UNDER THE NET It is permitted to penetrate into the opponent s space under the net, provided that this does not interfere with the opponent s play Penetration into the opponent's court, beyond the centre line: 1.3.3, D.11 (22) to touch the opponent's court with a foot (feet) is permitted, provided that some part of the penetrating foot (feet) remains either in contact with or directly above the centre line; to touch the opponent s court with any part of the body above the feet is permitted provided that it does not interfere with the opponent s play A player may enter the opponent's court after the ball goes out of play D.11 (22) 1.3.3,11.2.2,1 D11(22) Players may penetrate into the opponent's free zone provided that they do not interfere with the opponent s play CONTACT WITH THE NET Contact with the net by a player is not a fault, unless it interferes with the play , c, , D Players may touch the post, ropes, or any other object outside the antennae, including the net itself, provided that it does not interfere with play. D When the ball is driven into the net, causing it to touch an opponent, no fault is committed PLAYER'S FAULTS AT THE NET A player touches the ball or an opponent in the opponent's space before or during the opponent s attack hit A player interferes with the opponent's play while penetrating into the opponent s space under the net , D.11 (20) A player s foot (feet) penetrates completely into the opponent's court , D11 (22) A player interferes with the opponent s play by (amongst others): - touching the top band of the net or the top 80 cm of the antenna during his/her action of playing the ball, or - taking support from the net simultaneously with playing the ball, or - creating an advantage over the opponent, or - making actions which hinder an opponent s legitimate attempt to play the ball , D.11 (19) 23

24 12 SERVICE The service is the act of putting the ball into play, by the back right player, placed in the service zone. 8.1, FIRST SERVICE IN A SET The first service of the first set, as well as that of the deciding set (the 5th) is executed by the team determined by the toss , The other sets will be started with the service of the team that did not serve first in the previous set SERVICE ORDER The players must follow the service order recorded on the line-up sheet , After the first service in a set, the player to serve is determined as follows: when the serving team wins the rally, the player (or his/her substitute) who served before, serves again; 6.1.3, when the receiving team wins the rally, it gains the right to serve and rotates before actually serving. The player who moves from the front right position to the back-right position will serve , AUTHORIZATION OF THE SERVICE The first referee authorizes the service, after having checked that the two teams are ready to play and that the server is in possession of the ball. 12, D.11 (1) 12.4 EXECUTION OF THE SERVICE D.11 (10) The ball shall be hit with one hand or any part of the arm after being tossed or released from the hand(s) Only one toss or release of the ball is allowed. Dribbling or moving the ball in the hands is permitted At the moment of the service hit or take-off for a jump service, the server must not touch the court (the end line included) or the floor outside the service zone. After the hit, he/she may step or land outside the service zone, or inside the court , D.12 (4), D11(22) The server must hit the ball within 8 seconds after the first referee whistles for service. 12.3, D.11 (11) A service executed before the referee's whistle is cancelled and repeated

25 12.5 SCREENING D.11 (12) The players of the serving team must not prevent their opponent, through individual or collective screening, from seeing the server or the flight path of the ball A player, or group of players, of the serving team makes a screen by waving arms, jumping or moving sideways, during the execution of the service, or by standing grouped to hide the flight path of the ball. 12.4, D FAULTS MADE DURING THE SERVICE Serving faults The following faults lead to a change of service even if the opponent is out of position. The server: , violates the service order, does not execute the service properly Faults after the service hit After the ball has been correctly hit, the service becomes a fault (unless a player is out of position) if the ball: 12.4, touches a player of the serving team or fails to cross the vertical plane of the net completely through the crossing space; 8.4.4, 8.4.5, , D.11 (19) goes "out"; 8.4, D11(15) passes over a screen. 12.5, D11(12) 12.7 SERVING FAULTS AND POSITIONAL FAULTS If the server makes a fault at the moment of the service hit (improper execution, wrong rotational order, etc.) and the opponent is out of position, it is the serving fault which is sanctioned , 7.5.2, Instead, if the execution of the service has been correct, but the service subsequently becomes faulty (goes out, goes over a screen, etc.), the positional fault has taken place first and is sanctioned ,

26 13 ATTACK HIT 13.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ATTACK HIT 12, All actions which direct the ball towards the opponent, with the exception of service and block, are considered as attack hits During an attack hit, tipping is permitted only if the ball is cleanly hit, and not caught or thrown An attack hit is completed at the moment the ball completely crosses the vertical plane of the net or is touched by an opponent RESTRICTIONS OF THE ATTACK HIT A front-row player may complete an attack hit at any height, provided that the contact with the ball has been made within the player's own playing space (except Rule ) A back-row player may complete an attack hit at any height from behind the front zone: 1.4.1, , , , D at his/her take-off, the player's foot (feet) must neither have touched nor crossed over the attack line; after his/her hit, the player may land within the front zone A back-row player may also complete an attack hit from the front zone, if at the moment of the contact part of the ball is lower than the top of the net No player is permitted to complete an attack hit on the OPPONENT S service, when the ball is in the front zone and entirely higher than the top of the net , , D FAULTS OF THE ATTACK HIT A player hits the ball within the playing space of the opposing team , D11(20) A player hits the ball "out". 8.4, D11(15) A back-row player completes an attack hit from the front zone, if at the moment of the hit the ball is entirely higher than the top of the net A player completes an attack hit on the opponent's service, when the ball is in the front zone and entirely higher than the top of the net , , , D.11 (21) 1.4.1, , D.11 (21) A Libero completes an attack hit if at the moment of the hit the ball is entirely higher than the top of the net A player completes an attack hit from higher than the top of the net when the ball is coming from an overhand finger pass by a Libero in his/her front zone , d D.11 (21) 1.4.1, , e D.11 (21) 26

27 14 BLOCK 14.1 BLOCKING Blocking is the action of players close to the net to intercept the ball coming from the opponent by reaching higher than the top of the net, regardless of the height of the ball contact. Only front-row players are permitted to complete a block, but at the moment of contact with the ball, part of the body must be higher than the top of the net Block Attempt A block attempt is the action of blocking without touching the ball Completed Block A block is completed whenever the ball is touched by a blocker. D Collective Block A collective block is executed by two or three players close to each other and is completed when one of them touches the ball BLOCK CONTACT Consecutive (quick and continuous) contacts with the ball may occur by one or more blockers provided that the contacts are made during one action ; BLOCKING WITHIN THE OPPONENT'S SPACE In blocking, the player may place his/her hands and arms beyond the net provided that this action does not interfere with the opponent s play. Thus, it is not permitted to touch the ball beyond the net until an opponent has executed an attack hit BLOCK AND TEAM HITS A block contact is not counted as a team hit. Consequently, after a block contact, a team is entitled to three hits to return the ball. 9.1, The first hit after the block may be executed by any player, including the one who has touched the ball during the block

28 14.5 BLOCKING THE SERVICE D11(12) To block an opponent's service is forbidden BLOCKING FAULTS D.11 (20) The blocker touches the ball in the OPPONENT S space either before or simultaneously 14.3 with the opponent s attack hit A back-row player or a Libero completes a block or participates in a completed block. 14.1, 14.5, , D11(12) Blocking the opponent s service. 14.5, D11(12) The ball is sent "out" off the block Blocking the ball in the opponent s space from outside the antenna A Libero attempts an individual or collective block ,

29 CHAPTER FIVE INTERRUPTIONS, INTERVALS AND DELAYS 15 REGULAR GAME INTERRUPTIONS Regular game interruptions are TIME-OUTS and SUBSTITUTIONS. An interruption is the time between one completed rally and the 1st referee s whistle for the next service NUMBER OF REGULAR GAME INTERRUPTIONS Each team is entitled to request a maximum of two time-outs and six player substitutions per set REQUEST FOR REGULAR GAME INTERRUPTIONS Regular game interruptions may be requested by the coach, or in the absence of the coach by the game captain, and only by them. The request is made by showing the corresponding hand signal, when the ball is out of play and before the whistle for service. For FIVB, World and Official Competitions it is obligatory to use the buzzer and then the hand signal to request time-out Substitution before the start of a set is permitted, and should be recorded as a regular substitution in that set. 15.4, , , 15.4, , 5.2, 5.3.2, , 12.3, D.11 (4, 5) SEQUENCE OF INTERRUPTIONS Request for one or two time-outs, and one request for player substitution by either team may follow one another, with no need to resume the game. 15.4, However, a team is not authorized to make consecutive requests for player substitution during the same game interruption. Two or more players may be substituted during the same game interruption. 15.5, TIME-OUTS AND TECHNICAL TIME-OUTS All time-outs that are requested last for 30 seconds. D.11 (4) For FIVB, World and Official Competitions, in sets 1-4, two additional 60-second Technical Time-Outs are applied automatically when the leading team reaches the 8th and 16th points In the deciding (5th) set, there are no "Technical Time-Outs"; only two time-outs of 30 seconds duration may be requested by each team During all time-outs, the players in play must go to the free zone near their bench. 29

30 15.5 SUBSTITUTION OF PLAYERS D.11 (5) A substitution is the act by which a player, other than the Libero or his/her replacement player, after being recorded by the scorer, enters the game to occupy the position of another player, who must leave the court at that moment. Substitution requires the referee's authorization. D.11(5) 15.10, LIMITATION OF SUBSTITUTIONS Six substitutions is the maximum permitted per team per set. One or more players may be substituted at the same time A player of the starting line-up, may leave the game, but only once in a set, and reenter, but only once in a set, and only to his/her previous position in the line-up A substitute player may enter the game in place of a player of the starting line-up, but only once per set, and he/she can only be substituted by the same starting player EXCEPTIONAL SUBSTITUTION A player (except the Libero) who cannot continue playing due to injury or illness, should be substituted legally. If this is not possible, the team is entitled to make an EXCEPTIONAL substitution, beyond the limits of Rule , An exceptional substitution means that any player who is not on the court at the time of the injury, except the Libero or his/her replacement player, may be substituted into the game for the injured player. The substituted injured player is not allowed to re-enter the match. An exceptional substitution cannot be counted in any case as a regular substitution SUBSTITUTION FOR EXPULSION OR DISQUALIFICATION An EXPELLED or DISQUALIFIED player must be substituted immediately through a legal substitution. If this is not possible, the team is declared INCOMPLETE ILLEGAL SUBSTITUTION 6.4.3, 7.3.1, 15.6, , A substitution is illegal, if it exceeds the limitations indicated in Rule 15.6 (except the case of Rule 15.7) When a team has made an illegal substitution and the play has been resumed the following procedure shall apply: 8.1, the team is penalized with a point and service to the opponent, the substitution is rectified, the points scored by the team at fault since the fault was committed are cancelled. The opponent s points remain valid. 30

31 15.10 SUBSTITUTION PROCEDURE Substitution must be carried out within the substitution zone , D.1b A substitution shall only last the time needed for recording the substitution on the score sheet, and allowing entry and exit of the players , a The actual request for substitution is the entrance of the substitute player(s) into the substitution zone, ready to play, during a regular interruption , 7.3.3, b If that is not the case, the substitution is not granted and the team is sanctioned for a delay c The request for substitution is acknowledged and announced by the scorer or second referee, by use of the buzzer or whistle respectively. For FIVB World and Official Competitions, numbered paddles are used to facilitate the substitution If a team intends to make simultaneously more than one substitution, all players being substituted must report to the substitution zone at the same time to be considered in the same request. In this case, substitutions must be made in succession, one pair of players after another. 5.2, , IMPROPER REQUESTS It is improper to request any game interruption: during a rally or at the moment of, or after the whistle to serve, 6.1.3, by a non-authorized team member, for player substitution before the game has been resumed from a previous substitution by the same team, after having exhausted the authorized number of time-outs and player substitutions The first improper request by a team in the match that does not affect or delay the game shall be rejected without any other consequences ,16.1, Any further improper request in the match by the same team constitutes a delay

32 16 GAME DELAYS 16.1 TYPES OF DELAYS An improper action of a team that defers resumption of the game is a delay and includes, among others: delaying a substitution, prolonging other game interruptions, after having been instructed to resume the game, requesting an illegal substitution, repeating an improper request, delaying the game by a team member DELAY SANCTIONS D "Delay warning" and "delay penalty" are team sanctions Delay sanctions remain in force for the entire match All delay sanctions are recorded on the score sheet The first delay in the match by a team member is sanctioned with a "DELAY WARNING" The second and subsequent delays of any type by any member of the same team in the same match constitute a fault and are sanctioned with a "DELAY PENALTY": a point and service to the opponent , D.11 (25) 6.1.3, D.11 (25) Delay sanctions imposed before or between sets are applied in the following set